The number of diabetic people having “devastating” toe and foot amputations in Bromley has risen by almost 15pc since 2013, new figures reveal.

Between 2010-11 and 2012-13, there were 86 amputations due to diabetes in the NHS Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group area, according to data published by Public Health England.

By the end of the 2014-15 to 2016-17 period, this figure had risen to 98 - an increase of 14pc.

Below-the-ankle amputations are defined by Public Health England as “minor” amputations.

However, the Royal College of Surgeons says that, despite the name, minor amputations can have a major impact on patients.

They can be difficult to heal, could impair walking, and may even lead to further infections, they said.

Across England, minor amputations increased by 27pc over the same period, rising to almost 19,100 - the equivalent of 120 every week.

The charity Diabetes UK said “urgent action” was needed to stop what it described as an “epidemic” of diabetes.

It also said more needed to be done to address disparities in the quality of care available in different parts of the country.

According to the charity, foot problems are the most common cause of hospital stays for people with diabetes.

The disease can cause a loss of blood supply and feeling in the legs and feet, which can in turn cause ulcers and infections.

But around four out of five amputations could be prevented if diabetics had the right support, according to Diabetes UK.

The Department for Health and Social Care however says that minor amputations are sometimes performed as a preventative measure, to reduce the risk of a patient having to have a major above-the-ankle amputation later on.

Public Health England estimates that around 8% of the NHS Bromley CCG’s population have either been diagnosed with diabetes or are living with it undiagnosed.

This would mean around 27,000 people currently have the disease, based on the most recent population estimates.

The increase in type 2 diabetes across the UK is linked to the growth in obesity and a person’s socio-economic status can affect their risk of developing the disease, according to Diabetes UK.

Across England, CCG areas with a higher level of deprivation among their population tend to also have a high prevalence of diabetes.

Dan Howarth, head of care for Diabetes UK, said: “The latest figures show that, unfortunately, there’s still a great deal of work to be done to tackle rising number of diabetes-related amputations across England.

“Amputations devastate lives. It’s so important that everyone with the condition has access to diabetes foot services, and the support of podiatrists and foot care protection teams.

“Access remains an issue, however, and the quality and availability of services still varies significantly across England.

“That’s why we want to see greater commitment from Government to improving diabetes foot services, ensuring routine, high-quality care to those who need it, regardless of where they live.”

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “Prevention is better than cure, which is why we are delivering an ambitious plan to tackle obesity in children, including getting children exercising more in schools and reducing their exposure to sugary and fatty foods.

“We’ve invested billions in public health services and NHS England’s Diabetes Prevention Programme is available across the country for adults at risk of developing diabetes.”